Bayern remain in pole position for Neuer despite reported interest from United

Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge insists Schalke's valuation and not reported interest from Manchester United is the main hurdle to signing Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

The Bavarians are leading the chase for the goalkeeper, who has already announced that he will not be extending his contract beyond 2012, but their valuation is reportedly to be as much as six million euros less than Schalke's

Neuer won praise from United boss Sir Alex Ferguson for his display in Schalke's Champions League semi-final first-leg defeat last week and, with the Barclays Premier League side on the lookout for a replacement for Edwin van der Sar for next season, has been linked with a move Old Trafford.

Top man: Schalke goalkeeper Manuel Neuer was in inspired form against Manchester United

But Rummenigge ruled out that possibility.

'Let's talk about the facts,' he said to ZDF television. 'Fact one is Manuel Neuer will not be staying with Schalke beyond 2012. Fact two is that Manuel Neuer will not be moving abroad.'

However, a switch to Bayern is still not certain.

'We are in talks with Schalke, but I am not as optimistic as certain members of the media,' Rummenigge told Sky television.

'We don't have any urgency, though. It is only April 30 and the transfer market closes on August 31.

'We will see if we can find a solution. If there is one, then okay, but if not then both clubs will have to live with it.'

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And Schalke coach Ralf Rangnick insists he would be more than happy to keep hold of the keeper.

'We will only sell Manuel when our expectations have been fulfilled,' he told the Welt am Sonntag newspaper.

'Munich have been saying that they will not pay an astronomical fee and that Schalke have got to budge.

'Why should a club budge when they have a player who they want to keep hold of?

'Personally, I would prefer it if Manuel stayed another season with us.'